Work yet to be completed includes cleaning, setting up work stations, stocking, testing and commissioning building systems and technology. Training and orientation will also take place for the 3,500 staff who will work in the building once it opens.

The new hospital replaces the original structure constructed in the 1950s. It is more than three times the size and will open simultaneously as the previous location is closed to ensure seamless care for residents and patients. It will initially open with 457 beds but have the capacity to grow to 602 beds in the future.

Halton Healthcare’s manager, creative services and content, Paul McIvor, says a key focus and design driver has been the patient experience. “This is evidenced in the physical design, which includes extensive use of natural light, patient control over room lighting, temperature and meal delivery through a touch screen and emphasis on the family with quiet spaces, including room for spiritual care as well as roof-top gardens.”

The new hospital will have an increased number of single patient rooms, ample and well-designed waiting spaces that consider a wide range of needs and ages, simple circulation and wayfinding. Amenities include family rooms, lounges, shower facilities and kitchenettes.

A multi-storey parking garage, along with ground level parking areas around the building, will provide 2,100 convenient spaces.

McIvor says the patient focus is also reflected in many of the systems, which help enhance the patient experience through infection control and safety and include automated lab testing, automated medication dispensing and dosage packaging, and a positive patient identification system. “We also have bed-pan sanitizers in the patient rooms, which enhance efficiency for staff but also provide dignity to patients and families.”

Designed to achieve LEED Silver certification, the patient experience is also considered through extensive natural light achieved through drop sills in patient rooms and many large window spaces.

Other elements contributing to LEED points are the capture of water run-off for irrigation, digital LED systems deployed throughout, reflective rooftop membranes, and window glazing designed to manage solar gain and loss. “There is also a very energy efficient sandwich panel, cast pre-cladding exterior.”

McIvor says a rooftop 500kW solar array has been donated to the hospital by Hatch Ltd.

One of the biggest challenges he says has been procuring, moving and delivering 39,000 pieces of equipment by substantial completion in July.